What information do I need to form a limited company in the UK with Starxpress?
When forming a private limited company by Shares in the UK, you will need to have the following:
- Proof of ID
- Company Name, Company Address and Business Activity
- Director and Secretary (optional) Details
- Share Capital and Shareholder Details
- People with Significant Control (PSC) Details
- Memorandum and Articles (M&As) (the standard articles provided by Companies House)
Proof of ID Requirements: Ensuring AML & KYC Compliance
We are required to verify proof of ID and proof of address for all customers and company officers using our services. This mandatory process ensures compliance with global Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, safeguarding against fraud and financial crime.
Why we verify identity documents
- Legal Compliance: Mandated by AML/KYC laws to prevent illegal activities.
- Security: Protects your business and our platform from risks.
- Trust: Ensures transparency for all users of our address services.
What you need to submit
- Proof of ID:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
- Proof of Address:
- Recent utility bill, bank statement, or official document
Quick FAQ
- Who needs to submit documents?
All customers and company officers linked to our business services. - How long does verification take?
Typically 24-48 hours after document submission.
Company Name, Address & Business Activity: Compliance Guidelines
To register your business, your company name and registered address must meet strict legal criteria. Here’s what you need to know:
How to choose a compliant company name
- Avoid Sensitive Words: Ensure your name doesn’t include restricted terms (e.g., “Royal,” “Bank”) without approval.
- Unique name requirement: It cannot match any existing name on the Companies House register.
Registered office address requirements for UK companies
Every UK-based company must have a registered office address located in England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. This official company address serves as the legal hub for government correspondence and public records.
Why a UK registered office is required
- Legal compliance: Mandatory under the Companies Act 2006.
- Government correspondence: Companies House and HMRC use this address to send official mail, including legal notices and tax reminders.
- Public record: Displayed on the Companies House register for transparency.
Key Requirements for your company address
Physical location required: PO Box addresses are not accepted unless paired with a verifiable physical address.
Geographic rules: Must be in the UK region where your company is registered (e.g., a Scottish company needs a Scottish address).
Mail handling: Ensure you can receive and manage official documents sent to this address.
Company Directors & Secretaries: Requirements for UK private limited companies
To incorporate a UK private limited company, you must appoint at least one director (aged 16+). A company secretary is optional. Below, we outline the legal requirements for directors and corporate officers.
Director requirements for UK companies
- Eligibility:
- Minimum age: 16 years or older.
- Open to all nationalities (no residency requirement).
- Details to provide:
- Full name and date of birth.
- Nationality, occupation, and country of residence.
- Residential address (confidential, not public).
- Service address (publicly visible; can match the registered office).
Appointing a corporate director (Company as director)
If appointing a company as a director, provide:
- Corporate entity details:
- Company name and registration number.
- Registered address and country of incorporation.
- EEA or Non-EEA status (EU-registered or not).
- Non-European economic area corporate directors:
- Governing Law: Legal jurisdiction under which the company operates.
- Legal Form: Business structure (e.g., LLC, PLC).
Secretary details (Optional)
While not mandatory, a secretary can assist with administrative tasks. If appointed, provide:
- Full name and service address.
- No age or nationality restrictions.
Key compliance notes
- Directors’ residential addresses are protected and not disclosed publicly.
- Corporate directors must comply with Companies Act 2006 rules.
Share Capital, Shareholders & PSC requirements for UK companies
Forming a UK limited company requires at least 1 shareholder, who can also act as a director. Here’s your guide to structuring share capital, shareholder details, and compliance with People with Significant Control (PSC) rules.
Shareholder requirements for UK companies
- Minimum requirement: 1 shareholder (individual or corporate).
- Details to provide for individual shareholders:
- Full name and address (confidential, not public).
- Share currency (e.g., GBP, EUR, USD).
- Share class (Ordinary, Preference, etc.).
- Number of shares and value per share.
- Security questions (online signature verification):
- First 3 letters of town of birth.
- Last 3 digits of phone number.
- First 3 letters of mother’s maiden name.
Corporate shareholders (Company as shareholder)
If appointing a company as a shareholder, provide:
- Corporate entity details:
- Company name and registered address.
- Full name of the corporate director.
- Share currency, class, number, and value.
- Security questions: Use the corporate director’s details for verification.
- First 3 letters of town of birth.
- Last 3 digits of phone number.
- First 3 letters of mother’s maiden name.
People with Significant Control (PSC)
A PSC is a person or relevant legal entity (such as a company) who has significant influence or control over the company. All UK Limited companies will need to provide Companies House a record of people who own or control their company.
All UK companies must disclose individuals or entities with >25% shares, voting rights, or control.
- PSC details to report:
- Full name, nationality, and date of birth.
- Residential address (confidential) and service address.
- Nature of control (e.g., share ownership, voting rights).
Memorandum & Articles of Association
We offer the option to use the standard articles provided by Companies House for a typical Limited by Shares company. However, you also have the flexibility to upload your own customized articles if needed.
FAQs about UK company formation
What information do I need to form a UK limited company?
You need a company name, registered office address, details of directors and shareholders, share capital structure, PSC details, and a Memorandum & Articles of Association.
Why is proof of ID and address required?
To comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, identity verification is mandatory for all customers and company officers.
What are the requirements for a registered office address?
It must be a physical UK address (not a PO Box) and located in the UK region where the company is registered.
Who qualifies as a Person with Significant Control (PSC)?
A PSC is anyone who owns more than 25% of shares, voting rights, or has significant influence over the company.
Can I use standard Articles of Association?
Yes, you can use the standard articles provided by Companies House, or you can submit customized articles if needed.
Do you have any other questions?
This article explains how to form a company in the UK with Startxpress, detailing the required documents and key steps. From ID verification to company structure and legal obligations, ensuring compliance with Companies House regulations will help streamline the registration process.
For more details, check out the Startxpress Help Center and Startxpress Blog.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us via support@startxpress.io. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
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